Systems and Methods for Semi-Autonomous Individual Monitoring

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments provide systems and method for monitoring individuals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to (i.e., is a non-provisionalof) U.S. Pat. App. No. 62/612,650 entitled “Systems and Methods forMonitoring Individuals”, and filed Jan. 1, 2018 by Buck et al. Theentirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments provide systems and method for semi-autonomousmonitoring of individuals.

Large numbers of individuals are currently monitored as part of parolerequirements or other requirements. Such monitoring allows a monitoringagency to determine whether the individual is engaging in acceptablepatterns of behavior, and where an unacceptable behavior is identifiedto stop such behavior going forward. In many monitoring systems, thelack of sufficient mobile power limits the ability of a monitoringagency to know the movement details of a tracked individual.

Thus, for at least the aforementioned reasons, there exists a need inthe art for more advanced approaches, devices and systems formonitoring.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments provide systems and method for semi-autonomousmonitoring of individuals.

This summary provides only a general outline of some embodiments. Manyother objects, features, advantages and other embodiments will becomemore fully apparent from the following detailed description, theappended claims and the accompanying drawings and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the various embodiments may be realized byreference to the figures which are described in remaining portions ofthe specification. In the figures, similar reference numerals are usedthroughout several drawings to refer to similar components. In someinstances, a sub-label consisting of a lower case letter is associatedwith a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similar components.When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification toan existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiplesimilar components.

FIG. 1a is a block diagram illustrating a hybrid monitoring systemincluding both a user attached monitor device and a user detachedmonitor device in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 1b is a block diagram of a user detached monitor device usable inaccordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 1c is a block diagram of a user attached monitor device including alocal communication link in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 1d shows a user attached monitor device with an attachment elementfor attaching the user attached monitor device to a limb of anindividual in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with someembodiments for interaction between a user detached monitoring deviceand a remote monitoring station including scheduling and check-inprocesses;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with someembodiments for interaction between a user detached monitoring deviceand a remote monitoring station including ambiguity reduction check-inprocesses;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with someembodiments for interaction between a user detached monitoring deviceand a remote monitoring station including scheduling and check-inprocesses using data accessed from a user detached monitor device andincluding use of a user attached monitor device to provide automaticupdates;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with someembodiments for interaction between a user detached monitoring deviceand a remote monitoring station including scheduling and check-inprocesses using data accessed from a user detached monitor device wherea conflict is purposely created with a schedule accessed from the userdetached monitor device; and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing a method in accordance with someembodiments for interaction between a user detached monitoring deviceand both a remote monitoring station and a user attached monitoringdevice including scheduling and check-in processes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments provide systems and method for monitoringindividuals.

It has been found that returning offenders to society after being lockedup in a secure facility with little if any control of their day to dayactivities is often unsuccessful. It is often helpful to have, forexample, a parole officer monitor their movements and activities for aperiod of time as they reenter society. In some cases, the paroleofficer is aided by a tracking device attached to the individual beingmonitored. However, this is costly as a parole officer must besignificantly involved in monitoring and responding to situations. Someembodiments disclosed herein reduce the interaction between the trackingdevice and the parole officer.

Further, it has been found that once a monitoring term has beencompleted and a monitored individual has been fully released intosociety without oversight, the chances that the individual willre-engage in problematic behavior is high. Various embodiments disclosedherein provides tools and devices that continue to support theindividual as they transition away from the active oversight by, forexample, a parole officer.

Some embodiments provide monitoring systems that have a monitoringstation. The monitoring station includes: a communication apparatusconfigured to communicate with both a user detached monitor via a firstcommunication link and a user attached monitor via a secondcommunication link and a computer readable medium. Both the userdetached monitor and the user attached monitor are associated with anindividual being monitored is associated. The computer readable mediumincludes instructions executable by a processor to: identify a conflictwith an original check-in schedule; generate a modified check-inschedule by modifying the original check-in schedule in an aspectrelated to the conflict; upload the modified check-in schedule to acombination of the user detached monitor and the user attached monitor;receive check-in information from at least one of the user detachedmonitor or the user attached monitor; and determine if the check-ininformation complies with the check-in schedule.

In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the computerreadable medium further includes instructions executable by theprocessor to receive one or more check-in windows associated with two ormore check-in times in the original check-in schedule. Identifying theconflict with the original check-in schedule includes: determining thatan end of a check-in window for a first check-in time is within adefined time period of a beginning of a check-in window for a secondcheck-in time, and indicating the conflict. Modifying the originalcheck-in schedule in an aspect related to the conflict includes one ormore of: removing one of the first check-in time or the second check-intime from the original check-in schedule, reducing the check-in windowof the first check-in time in the original check-in schedule, orreducing the check-in window of the second check-in time in the originalcheck-in schedule.

In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the systemincludes the user detached monitor, and the instructions that identifythe conflict with the original check-in schedule includes instructionsexecutable by the processor to: access an individual schedule from theuser detached monitor; compare the individual schedule with the originalcheck-in schedule, wherein the conflict is found where it is determinedthat an event in the individual schedule overlaps an event in theoriginal check-in schedule; and modifying the original check-in schedulein the aspect related to the conflict includes removing the check-intime corresponding to the conflict to yield the modified check-inschedule as the check-in schedule without the check-in timecorresponding to the conflict. In some cases, the communicationapparatus is a first communication apparatus, the processor is a firstprocessor, the computer readable medium is a first computer readablemedium, and the user detached monitor includes: a second a communicationapparatus operable to receive the modified check-in schedule from themonitoring station; and a second computer readable medium. The secondcomputer readable medium includes instructions executable by a secondprocessor to: alert the individual being monitored of a check-inrequirement at a time designated by the modified check-in schedule;receive input from the individual being monitored via one or moresensors of the user detached monitor; and upload at least a portion ofthe input received from the individual being monitored to the monitoringstation. In certain cases, the second computer readable medium furtherincludes instructions executable by the second processor to enable theone or more sensors of the user detached monitor.

In one or more instances of the aforementioned embodiments, thecommunication apparatus is a first communication apparatus, theprocessor is a first processor, the computer readable medium is a firstcomputer readable medium, and the user detached monitor includes: asecond communication apparatus operable to receive at least a portion ofthe check-in schedule where the portion of the check-in scheduleincludes the check-in time corresponding to the conflict, and a secondcomputer readable medium. The second computer readable medium includesinstructions executable by a second processor to: receive a request forthe individual schedule from the monitoring station; provide theindividual schedule to the monitoring station in response to therequest; alert the individual being monitored of a check-in requirementat a time designated by the portion of the modified check-in schedule;receive input from the individual being monitored via one or moresensors of the user detached monitor; and upload at least a portion ofthe input received from the individual being monitored to the monitoringstation.

In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the monitoringsystem further includes the user attached monitor, and the user attachedmonitor includes: an attachment element configured to attach to a limbof an individual being monitored, a tamper sensor configured to indicateremoval of the user attached monitor from the individual beingmonitored, and a communication circuit. The communication circuit isoperable to: receive a portion of the modified check-in scheduleincluding the check-in time corresponding to the conflict; and providestatus to the monitoring station without interaction with the individualbeing monitored in accordance with the portion of the modified check-inschedule.

In one or more instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the firstcommunication link and the second communication link are cellulartelephone networks. In various instances of the aforementionedembodiments, uploading the modified check-in schedule to the combinationof the user detached monitor and the user detached monitor includes anupload process selected from a group consisting of: uploading themodified check-in schedule only to the user detached monitor; uploadingthe modified check-in schedule only to the user attached monitor; anduploading a first portion of the modified check-in schedule to the userattached monitor and uploading a second portion of the modified check-inschedule to the user detached monitor.

Other embodiments provide monitoring systems that include a userdetached monitor. The user detached monitor includes: a sensorconfigured to receive input from the individual being monitored; acommunication apparatus operable to receive at least a portion of animplemented check-in schedule from a monitoring station via a wirelesscommunication network, a processor, and a computer readable mediumincluding instructions executable by the processor. The implementedcheck-in schedule includes: at least one check-in window and acorresponding check-in time, and a check-in instruction indicating thecheck-in time and an action to be performed in relation to the sensor.The computer readable medium includes instructions executable by theprocessor to: alert the individual being monitored of a check-inrequirement in accordance with the portion of the implemented check-inschedule; enable the sensor; receive input from the sensor; and uploadthe input received from the sensor to the monitoring station. In somecases, the wireless communication network is a cellular telephonenetwork.

In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, thecommunication apparatus is a first communication apparatus, the computerreadable medium is a first computer readable medium, the processor is afirst processor, and the monitoring system further includes themonitoring station. The monitoring station includes: a secondcommunication apparatus configured to communicate with the user detachedmonitor via a communication link, and a second computer readable medium.The second computer readable medium including instructions executable bya second processor to: receive an original check-in schedule for theindividual being monitored; identify a conflict with the originalcheck-in schedule; modify the original check-in schedule to change anaspect of the original check-in schedule in an aspect related to theconflict to yield the implemented check-in schedule; upload at least theportion of the implemented check-in schedule to the user detachedmonitor; receive check-in information from the user detached monitor;and determine if the check-in information complies with the portion ofthe implemented check-in schedule. In some cases, the second computerreadable medium further includes instructions executable by the secondprocessor to receive one or more check-in windows associated with two ormore check-in times in the original check-in schedule. In such cases,identifying the conflict with the check-in schedule includes:determining that an end of a check-in window for a first check-in timeis within a defined time period of a beginning of a check-in window fora second check-in time; and indicating the conflict. Modifying theoriginal check-in schedule to change an aspect of the original check-inschedule in an aspect related to the conflict includes one or more of:removing one of the first check-in time or the second check-in time fromthe check-in schedule, reducing the check-in window of the firstcheck-in time in the check-in schedule, or reducing the check-in windowof the second check-in time in the check-in schedule.

In some instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the instructionsthat identify the conflict with the original check-in schedule includesinstructions executable by the second processor to: access an individualschedule from the user detached monitor; and compare the individualschedule with the original check-in schedule, where the conflict isfound where it is determined that an event in the individual scheduleoverlaps an event in the original check-in schedule. Modifying theoriginal check-in schedule to change an aspect of the original check-inschedule related to the conflict includes removing the check-in timecorresponding to the conflict to yield the implemented check-inschedule.

In various instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the firstcomputer readable medium further includes instructions executable by thefirst processor to: receive a request for the individual schedule fromthe monitoring station; and provide the individual schedule to themonitoring station in response to the request. In one or more instancesof the aforementioned embodiments, the monitoring system furtherincludes a user attached monitor. The user attached monitor includes: anattachment element configured to attach to a limb of an individual beingmonitored; a tamper sensor configured to indicate removal of the userattached monitor from the individual being monitored; and acommunication circuit. The communication circuit is operable to: receivea portion of the implemented check-in schedule including the check-intime corresponding to the conflict; and provide status to the monitoringstation without interaction with the individual being monitored inaccordance with the portion of the implemented check-in schedule. Incertain instances of the aforementioned embodiments, the sensor isselected from a group consisting of: a camera, an audio sensor; atemperature sensor, and a biometric sensor. In various instances of theaforementioned embodiments, the sensor is a biometric sensor. Such abiometric sensor may be, but is not limited to, a finger print sensor,and/or a retinal scan sensor.

Yet other embodiments provide monitoring systems that include amonitoring station and a user detached monitor. The monitoring stationincludes: a first communication apparatus configured to communicate witha user detached monitor associated with an individual being monitoredvia a cellular telephone network; and a first computer readable medium.The first computer readable medium includes instructions executable by afirst processor to: receive an original check-in schedule for theindividual being monitored, where the original check-in scheduleincludes at least a first check-in time and a first check-in windowcorresponding to the first check-in time, and a second check-in time anda second check-in window corresponding to a second check-in time;identify an internal conflict within the original check-in schedule,where the conflict occurs where an end of the first check-in window iswithin a defined time period of a beginning of the second check-inwindow; and modify the original check-in schedule. Modifying theoriginal check-in schedule includes performing at least one of thefollowing functions to yield an implemented check-in schedule: removingone of the first check-in time or the second check-in time from thecheck-in schedule; reducing the check-in window of the first check-intime in the check-in schedule; or reducing the check-in window of thesecond check-in time in the check-in schedule. The first computerreadable medium includes instructions executable by a first processor toupload at least the portion of the implemented check-in schedule to theuser detached monitor. The user detached monitor includes: a sensorconfigured to receive input from the individual being monitored; asecond communication apparatus operable to receive at least a portion ofan implemented check-in schedule from the monitoring station via thecellular telephone network; and a second computer readable medium. Thesecond computer readable medium includes instructions executable by thesecond processor to: alert the individual being monitored of a check-inrequirement in accordance with the portion of the implemented check-inschedule; receive input from the sensor; and upload the input receivedfrom the sensor to the monitoring station as check-in information.

Turning to FIG. 1 a, a block diagram illustrates a hybrid monitoringsystem 100 including both a user attached monitor device 110 and a userdetached monitor device 120 in accordance with various embodiments. Alocal communication link 112 allows for communication between userattached monitor device 110 and user detached monitor device 120. Localcommunication link 112 may be any communication link that is capable oftransferring information or otherwise communicating between two deviceswithin a relatively short distance of each other. In some cases, forexample, local communication link 112 may be a BlueTooth™ communicationlink. In other examples, local communication link 112 may be a line ofsight infared communication link. As yet other examples, localcommunication link 112 may be a WiFi communication link. Based upon thedisclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize a variety of communication protocols and/or media that may beused to implement local communication link 112.

User detached monitor device 120 is portable, and may be any device thatis recognized as being used by or assigned to an individual beingmonitored, but is not physically attached to the individual beingmonitored by a tamper evident attaching device. User detached monitordevice 120 may be, but is not limited to, a cellular telephone capableof communication with user attached monitor device 110 via localcommunication link 112. In contrast, user attached monitor device 110 isattached to the individual being monitored using a tamper evidentattaching device like a strap. User attached monitor device 110 may be,but is not limited to, a tracking device that is attached around thelimb of an individual and includes indicators to monitor whether thedevice has been removed from the individual or otherwise tampered.Hybrid monitoring system 100 further includes a central monitoringstation 160 wirelessly coupled to user attached monitor device 110 anduser detached monitor device 120 via one or more wide area wireless(e.g., cellular telephone network, Internet via a Wi-Fi access point, orthe like) communication networks 150.

User detached monitor device 120 includes a location sensor that sensesthe location of the device and generates a location data. The locationdata may comprise one or more of: global positioning system (“GPS”)data, Assisted GPS (“A-GPS”) data, Advanced Forward Link Trilateration(“AFLT”) data, and/or cell tower triangulation data. Where GPS is used,user detached monitor device 120 receives location information fromthree or more GPS satellites 145 a, 145 b, 145 c via respectivecommunication links 130, 131, 132. The aforementioned location data isutilized verify the location of a user associated with user detachedmonitor device 120 at various points as more fully discussed below. Userdetached monitor device 120 is considered “ambiguous” because it is notattached to the user in a tamper resistant/evident way, but rather isfreely severable from the user and thus could be used by persons otherthan the target. Various processes discussed herein mitigate theaforementioned ambiguity to yield a reasonable belief that informationderived from user detached monitor device 120 corresponds to the target.

The location data and/or other data gathered by user detached monitordevice 120 is wirelessly transmitted to central monitoring station 160via wide area wireless network 150 accessed via a wireless link 133.Central monitoring station 160 may be any location, device or systemwhere the location data is received, including by way of non-limitingexample: a cellular/smart phone, an email account, a website, a networkdatabase, and a memory device. The location data is stored by centralmonitoring station 160 and is retrievable therefrom by a monitor, suchas a parent, guardian, parole officer, court liaison, spouse, friend, orother authorized group or individual. In this manner, monitor is able torespond appropriately to the detected out-of-bounds activity by a user.In some cases, the monitor is able to retrieve the location data via auser interaction system 185 which may be, but is not limited to, anetwork connected user interface device communicatively coupled via anetwork to central monitoring station 160 and/or directly to userdetached monitor device 120 via wide area wireless network 150.

User detached monitor device 120 may further include a useridentification sensor operable to generate user identification data foridentifying the user in association with the generation of the locationdata. The user identification data may comprise one or more of: imagedata, video data, biometric data (e.g. fingerprint, DNA, retinal scan,etc. data), or any other type of data that may be used to verify theidentity of the user at or near the time the location data is generated.And the user identification sensor may comprise one or more of: acamera, microphone, heat sensor, biometric data sensor, or any othertype of device capable of sensing/generating the aforementioned types ofuser identification data.

The user identification data is wirelessly transmitted in associationwith the location data to central monitoring station 160 via a wirelesstransmitter communicatively coupled to the user identification sensor.The user identification data is stored in association with the locationdata by central monitoring station 160 and is retrievable therefrom by amonitor, such as a parent, guardian, parole officer, court liaison,spouse, friend, or other authorized group or individual. Preferably, themonitor is able to retrieve the location data via a network connecteduser interface device communicatively coupled—via the network—to centralmonitoring station 160 and/or to user detached monitor device 120. Thelocation data may be transmitted to central monitoring station 160independent of the user identification data, for example, during aperiodic check-in with central monitoring system 160.

User detached monitor device 120 may further comprise a memorycommunicatively coupled to a control unit—which is also communicativelycoupled to the location sensor, the identification sensor and thewireless transceiver—for controlling the operations thereof inaccordance with the functionalities described herein. The memory mayinclude non-transient instructions (e.g., software of firmware basedinstructions) executable by the control unit to perform and/or enablevarious functions associated with user detached monitor device 120. Asuser detached monitor device 120 is portable, each of the components maybe located within, immediately adjacent to, or exposed without, a devicehousing whose dimensions are such that user detached monitor device 120as a whole may be discretely carried by the user, for example, within apocket or small purse. User detached monitor device 120 may include aWi-Fi transceiver capable of receiving information from one or moreWi-Fi access points 187 that can be used to discern location via a Wi-Ficommunication link 114.

Central monitoring station 160 preferably comprises a server supportedwebsite, which may be supported by a server system comprising one ormore physical servers, each having a processor, a memory, an operatingsystem, input/output interfaces, and network interfaces, all known inthe art, coupled to the network. The server supported website comprisesone or more interactive web portals through which the monitor maymonitor the location of the user in accordance with the describedembodiments. In particular, the interactive web portals may enable themonitor to retrieve the location and user identification data of one ormore users, set or modify ‘check-in’ schedules, and/or set or modifypreferences. The interactive web portals are accessible via a personalcomputing device, such as for example, a home computer, laptop, tablet,and/or smart phone.

In some embodiments, the server supported website comprises a mobilewebsite accessible via a software application on a mobile device (e.g.smart phone). The mobile website may be a modified version of the serversupported website with limited or additional capabilities suited formobile location monitoring.

User attached monitor device 110 includes a location sensor that sensesthe location of the device and generates a location data. The locationdata may comprise one or more of: global positioning system (“GPS”)data, Assisted GPS (“A-GPS”) data, Advanced Forward Link Trilateration(“AFLT”) data, and/or cell tower triangulation data. Where GPS is used,user attached monitor device 110 receives location information fromthree or more GPS satellites 145 a, 145 b, 145 c via respectivecommunication links 136, 138, 139. The aforementioned location data isutilized to verify the location of a user associated with user attachedmonitor device 110 at various points as more fully discussed below. Userattached monitor device 110 is considered “non-ambiguous” because it isphysically attached to the user in a tamper resistant way and as suchprovides information only about the user to which it is attached.

The location data and/or other data gathered by user attached monitordevice 110 is wirelessly transmitted to central monitoring station 160via a wide area wireless network 150 accessed via a wireless link 135.Central monitoring station 160 may be any location, device or systemwhere the location data is received, including by way of non-limitingexample: a cellular/smart phone, an email account, a website, a networkdatabase, and a memory device. The location data is stored by centralmonitoring station 160 and is retrievable therefrom by a monitor, suchas a parent, guardian, parole officer, court liaison, spouse, friend, orother authorized group or individual. In this manner, monitor is able torespond appropriately to the detected out-of-bounds activity by a user.

User attached monitor device 110 may further comprise a memorycommunicatively coupled to a control unit—which is also communicativelycoupled to the location sensor, the identification sensor and thewireless transceiver—for controlling the operations thereof inaccordance with the functionalities described herein. The memory mayinclude non-transient instructions (e.g., software of firmware basedinstructions) executable by the control unit to perform and/or enablevarious functions associated with user attached monitor device 110. Userattached monitor device may include a strap which can be wrapped arounda limb of the individual being monitored to secure user attached monitordevice to the individual. The strap includes one or more tamper circuitsand/or sensors that allow for a determination as to whether the devicehas been removed or otherwise tampered. Examples of a strap and tamperdetection circuitry that may be used in relation to various embodimentsdiscussed herein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,355,579 entitled “Methods for Image Based Tamper Detection”, and filed by Buck et al. onSep. 15, 2014; and US Pat. Pub. No. US 2017-0270778 A1 entitled “Systemsand Methods for Improved Monitor Attachment”, and filed by Melton et al.on Mar. 21, 2016. Both of the aforementioned references are incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes. Based upon the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety ofstraps, tamper circuits, tamper devices, and/or attachment and tamperdetection approaches that may be used in relation to variousembodiments. User attached monitor device 110 may include a Wi-Fitransceiver capable of receiving information from one or more Wi-Fiaccess points 187 that may be used to identify location via a Wi-Ficommunication link 113.

Turning to FIG. 1 b, a block diagram of user detached monitor device 120is shown in accordance with one or more embodiments. User detachedmonitor device 120 includes wireless transceiver circuitry 128 that iscapable of sending and receiving information via wireless link 133to/from wide area wireless network 150. Wireless transceiver circuitry128 may be any circuitry, integrated circuit, and/or processor orcontroller capable of supporting wireless communication. Such wirelesscommunication may include, but is not limited to, cellular telephonecommunication, Internet communication via a Wi-Fi access point, or both.In addition, user detached monitor device 120 includes a vibrator 112, aspeaker 114, and a visual display and touch screen 116. In some cases,at scheduled times a user of user detached monitor device 120 is alertedof a need to check-in. The schedule of check-in times may be downloadedto a memory 124 by central monitoring station 160 via wireless link 133.The user may be alerted by one or more of: a visual prompt via visualdisplay and touch screen 116, an audio prompt via speaker 114, and atactile prompt via vibrator 112. Each of vibrator 112, speaker 114, andvisual display and touch screen 116 is communicatively coupled to memory124 and/or a control circuit 122 for controlling the operations thereof.In some cases, control circuit 122 includes a processor. In variouscases, control circuit 122 is part of an integrated circuit. In one ormore cases, memory 124 is included in an integrated circuit with controlcircuit 122. In various cases, memory 124 may include non-transientinstructions (e.g., software of firmware based instructions) executableby controller circuit 122 to perform and/or enable various functionsassociated with user detached monitor device 120. A visual prompt mayinclude, but is not limited to, text, images and/or a combinationthereof, or a series of such visual prompts. An audio prompt mayinclude, but is not limited to, one or more different audio prompts, ora series thereof. Each prompt may be stored in memory 124 and retrievedin accordance with the schedule that is also maintained in memory 124.In some embodiments, alerting the user involves a prompt that includesan e-mail or text message generated by central monitoring station 160(e.g. the server supported website) and transmitted to the e-mailaccount or cellular phone number corresponding to user detached monitordevice 120. In particular embodiments, such a prompt may include a‘post’ on the user's ‘wall,’ feed,' or other social networkingprivilege. In some embodiments, the prompt may comprise an automated orlive phone call to the user.

User detached monitor device 120 further includes user identificationcircuitry 179 capable of gathering user identification information fromone or more of a microphone 171, a camera 173, a temperature sensor 175,and/or a biometric sensor 177. In some cases, user identificationcircuitry 179 is incorporated in an integrated circuit with controlcircuit 122. Microphone 171 is capable of accurately capturing the soundof a user's voice, camera 173 is capable of accurately capturing imagesincluding, for example, an image of the user's face, temperature sensor175 is capable of accurately capturing an ambient temperature arounduser detached monitor device 120, and biometric sensor 177 is capable ofaccurately capturing biometric data about the user including, but notlimited to, a thumb print, a retinal scan, or a breath-based alcoholmeasurement. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize a variety of biometric data andcorresponding sensors that may be used in relation to differentembodiments. Under the direction of control circuitry 122, useridentification circuitry 179 assembles one or more elements of datagathered by microphone 171, a camera 173, a temperature sensor 175,and/or a biometric sensor 177 into a user identification package whichis forwarded to central monitoring station 160 via wireless transceivercircuitry 128.

User detached monitor device 120 additionally includes locationcircuitry 126. Location circuitry 126 may include one or more of, a GPSprocessing circuit capable of fixing a location of user detached monitordevice 120 using GPS data, and/or a cell tower triangulation processingcircuit capable of fixing a location of user detached monitor device 120using cell tower triangulation data. A local communication link 181controls communication between user detached monitor device 120 and userattached monitor device 110. In some embodiments, local communicationlink 181 supports a BlueTooth™ communication protocol and is capable ofboth receiving information from user attached monitor device 110 andtransmitting information to user attached monitor device 110. In otherembodiments, Local communication link 181 supports a Wi-Fi communicationprotocol and is capable of both receiving information from user attachedmonitor device 110 and transmitting information to user attached monitordevice 110. In some cases, local communication link 181 supportscommunication in only a receive or transmit direction. Based upon thedisclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize a variety of communication protocols and information transferdirections that may be supported by local communication link 181 inaccordance with different embodiments.

Turning to FIG. 1 c, a block diagram 194 of user attached monitor device110 including a local communication link 159 in accordance with someembodiments. Local communication link 159 controls communication betweenuser attached monitor device 110 and user detached monitor device 120.In some embodiments, local communication link 159 supports a BlueTooth™communication protocol and is capable of both receiving information fromuser detached monitor device 120 and transmitting information to userdetached monitor device 120. In other embodiments, local communicationlink 159 supports a Wi-Fi communication protocol and is capable of bothreceiving information from user detached monitor device 110 andtransmitting information to user detached monitor device 110. In somecases, local communication link 159 supports communication in only areceive or transmit direction. Based upon the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety ofcommunication protocols and information transfer directions that may besupported by local communication link 159 in accordance with differentembodiments.

As shown, user attached monitor device 110 includes a device ID 161 thatmay be maintained in a memory 165, and thus is accessible by acontroller circuit 167. Controller circuit 167 is able to interact witha GPS receiver 162 and memory 165 at times for storing and generatingrecords of successively determined GPS locations. Similarly, controllercircuit 167 is able to interact with a Wi-Fi receiver 188 and memory 165at times for storing and generating records of successively determinedWi-Fi access point identifications and signal strength. In some cases,memory 165 may include non-transient instructions (e.g., software offirmware based instructions) executable by controller circuit 167 toperform and/or enable various functions associated with user attachedmonitor device 110. As user attached monitor device 110 comes withinrange of one or more Wi-Fi access points (e.g., Wi-Fi access points187), Wi-Fi receiver 188 senses the signal provided by the respectiveWi-Fi access points, and provides an identification of the respectiveWi-Fi access point and a signal strength of the signal received from theWi-Fi access point to Wi-Fi receiver 188. This information is providedto controller circuit 167 which stores the information to memory 165.

Where user attached monitor device 110 is operating in a standard mode,controller circuit 167 causes an update and reporting of the location ofuser attached monitor device 110 via a cellular transceiver 168 and awide area communication network 150 in accordance with a first timeperiod. In contrast, where user attached monitor device 110 is withinrange of a public Wi-Fi access point, reporting the location of userattached monitor device 110 may be done via the public Wi-Fi accesspoint in place of the cellular communication link. In another case whereuser attached monitor device 110 is operating in a low battery mode,reporting the location of user attached monitor device 110 may be donevia user detached monitoring device 120 coupled using localcommunication link 159.

Which technologies are used to update the location of user attachedmonitor device 110 may be selected either by default, by programmingfrom a central monitor system (not shown), or based upon scenarios. Forexample, it may be determined whether sufficient battery power asreported by power status 196 remains in user attached monitor device 110to support a particular position determination technology. Whereinsufficient power remains, the particular technology is disabled. Insome cases, a maximum cost of resolving location may be set for userattached monitor device 110. For example, resolving Wi-Fi location datamay incur a per transaction cost to have a third party service providerresolve the location information. When a maximum number of resolutionrequests have been issued, the Wi-Fi position determination technologymay be disabled. Further, it may be determined the likelihood that aparticular position determination technology will be capable ofproviding meaningful location information. For example, where userattached monitor device 110 is moved indoors, GPS receiver 162 may bedisabled to save power. Alternatively, where the tracking device istraveling at relatively high speeds, the Wi-Fi receiver 188 may bedisabled. As yet another example, where cellular phone jamming isoccurring, support for cell tower triangulation position determinationmay be disabled. As yet another example, where GPS jamming is occurring,GPS receiver 162 may be disabled. As yet another example, where userattached monitor device 110 is stationary, the lowest cost (from both amonetary and power standpoint) tracking may be enabled while all othertechnologies are disabled. Which position determination technologies areused may be based upon which zone a tracking device is located. Somezones may be rich in Wi-Fi access points and in such zones Wi-Fitechnology may be used. Otherwise, another technology such as cell towertriangulation or GPS may be used.

Controller circuit 167 of user attached monitor device 110 at timesfunctions in conjunction with cellular transceiver 168 to send andreceive data and signals through wide area communication network 150.This link at times is useful for passing information and/or controlsignals between a central monitoring system (not shown) and userattached monitor device 110. The information transmitted may include,but is not limited to, location information, alcohol information, andinformation about the status of user attached monitor device 110. Basedon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize a variety of information that may be transferred via wide areacommunication network 150.

Various embodiments of user attached monitor device 110 include avariety of sensors capable of determining the status of user detachedmonitor device 120, and of the individual associated therewith. Forexample, a status monitor 166 may include one or more of the followingsubcomponents: power status sensor 196 capable of indicating a powerstatus of user detached monitor device 120. The power status may beexpressed, for example as a percentage of battery life remaining. Basedupon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize a variety of forms in which power status may beexpressed. In addition, user attached monitor device 110 includes a setof shielding sensors 169 that are capable of determining whether userattached monitor device 110 is being shielded from receiving GPS signalsand/or if GPS jamming is ongoing, a set of device health indicators 154,a tamper sensor 131 capable of determining whether unauthorized accessto user attached monitor device 110 has occurred or whether userattached monitor device 110 has been removed from an associatedindividual being monitored, a motion/proximity sensor 152 capable ofdetermining whether user attached monitor device 110 is moving and/orwhether it is within proximity of an individual associated with userdetached monitor device 120, and/or an alcohol sensor 153. Such analcohol sensor may be any alcohol sensor capable of estimating an amountof alcohol in the individual being monitored. Based upon the disclosureprovided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize avariety of alcohol sensors and corresponding alcohol sensing circuitrythat may be used in relation to different embodiments. Based on thedisclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize a variety of shielding sensors, a variety of device healthtransducers and indicators, a variety of tamper sensors, variousdifferent types of motion sensors, different proximity to human sensors,and various human body physical measurement sensors or transducers thatmay be incorporated into user attached monitor device 110 according tovarious different instances and/or embodiments.

Turning to FIG. 1 d, a user attached monitor device 1089 is shown withan example attachment element 1090 connected at opposite ends of userattached monitor device 1089 (i.e., a first end 1097 and a second end1098). Attachment element 1090 is operable to securely attach a trackingdevice 1095 (i.e., a combination of user attached monitor device 1089and attachment element 1090) to a limb of an individual in accordancewith some embodiments. In various embodiments, attachment element 1090includes electrically and/or optically conductive material used to makea conductive connection form first end 1097 to second end 1098 throughattachment element 1090 and is used in relation to determining whetheruser attached monitor device 1089 remains attached and/or has beentampered with. While FIG. 1d shows a strap as an example attachmentelement, based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize other types of attachment elements thatmay be used in relation to different embodiments.

Turning to FIG. 2, a flow diagram 200 shows a method for interactionbetween a user detached monitoring device and a remote monitoringstation including scheduling and check-in processes in accordance withsome embodiments. This method may be used in relation to a user detachedmonitor device, a user attached monitor device, or a combination of auser attached monitor device and a user detached monitor device. Such auser detached monitor device may be, for example, similar to the userdetached monitor device discussed above in relation to FIG. 1 b. Asanother example, the user detached monitor device may be a mobile phoneincluding one or more applications allowing operation of the method.Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in theart will recognize a variety of user detached monitor devices that maybe used in relation to different embodiments. The user attached monitordevice may be, for example, similar to the user detached monitor devicediscussed above in relation to FIG. 1 c. Based upon the disclosureprovided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize avariety of user attached monitor devices that may be used in relation todifferent embodiments. The monitor may be any individual or automatedmachine capable of setting a schedule for an individual subject to themonitoring. As one example, a monitor may be a parole officer. Basedupon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize a variety of monitors that may operate in relation todifferent embodiments.

Following flow diagram 200, a check-in schedule is set up by a monitoraccessing the system via a user interaction device (block 205). Such auser interaction device may be, but is not limited to, a networkconnected user interface device communicatively coupled via a network toa remote monitoring system and/or directly to a user detached monitordevice via a wireless communication network. As just some examples, theuser interaction device may be a mobile phone, a mobile computer, or afixed computer station. Based upon the disclosure provided herein one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of user interactiondevices that may be used in relation to different embodiments.

The check-in schedule may consist of predetermined check-in periods,random check-in periods, and/or on-demand check-in periods. The monitorsets a predetermined check-in period by selecting a single date/timeoption for the check-in to occur. The monitor may set multiplepredetermined check-in periods by selecting a plurality of singledates/times for the check-in to occur. The monitor sets a randomcheck-in period by selecting a continuous range of date/time optionsthat reflect the temporal bounds within which the monitor desires thecheck-in to randomly occur, and additionally selects the number ofcheck-ins the monitor desires to be taken during the random check-inperiod. As the selection consists of a range that may be resized orotherwise tailored according to the preference of the monitor. Theserver system then randomly schedules the desired number of check-in tooccur during the set random check-in period. Preferably, if thegenerated schedule is a periodic schedule (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly,monthly, etc.), the randomly generated check-ins are re-randomizedwithin each set random check-in period for each successive schedulecycle. In addition, or as an alternative, the monitor may also select anon-demand check-in, reflecting a desire to schedule an immediatecheck-in (or as closely thereto as practical). In some cases, suchon-demand check-ins are not recycled to the next schedule cycle, but areimplemented once and discarded.

Additionally, for each scheduled check-in, there may exist a check-inwindow (i.e., a period of time from the inception of the check-in periodduring which the scheduled check-in can be taken by the user before thecheck-in is considered missed by the system). The monitor may set upcheck-in windows for each time in the check-in schedule or may set up asingle check in window that is used in relation with all times in thecheck-in schedule (block 210). The check-in window may be a defaultcheck-in window, or may be generated or otherwise modified by themonitor, preferably via the server supported website. The monitor mayselect from a plurality of predetermined options for the check-inwindow, including, for example, thirty (30) minutes, sixty (60) minutes,one hundred twenty (120) minutes, one hundred eighty (180) minutes, twohundred forty (240) minutes, or custom duration check-in windows. Insome embodiments, the monitor may assign unique check-in windows to thecheck-in periods. In some embodiments, the check-in window may notexceed a predetermined duration.

Once the check-in schedule and check-in window(s) are received, anyconflicts or overlaps between check-in times and windows are identified(block 215). For example, if check-in periods are scheduled for everyother hour of the day with check-in windows of one hundred eighty (180)minutes, then successive check-in periods would overlap with thecheck-in windows of the prior check-in period. This is an undesirableresult, as it may encourage users to perform a single check-in or twocheck-ins close in time during the overlapping period, so as to providethe individual being monitored more time before the next scheduledcheck-in in which to go out-of-bounds. This undesirable result may alsooccur even with where check-in periods abut or are very close withoutactually overlapping. Consequently, in some embodiments, a conflict maybe identified where there is an insufficient buffer period betweenscheduled check-ins such that the temptation for the individual beingmonitored to go out-of-bounds is not sufficiently mitigated.

It is determined whether there are any conflicts represented in thecheck-in times and windows (block 220). Where one or more conflicts areidentified (block 220), one or more of the check-in times or check-inwindows are modified to resolve the identified conflict(s) (block 225).This conflict resolution may be done automatically or under direction ofthe monitor. The selected schedule is then uploaded from the remotemonitor station to the user detached monitoring device (block 230).

During operation of the user detached monitoring device it is determinedwhether the schedule indicates a check-in time (block 235). Where acheck-in time is indicated (block 235), the individual being monitored(i.e., the expected user of the user detached monitoring device) isalerted of the check-in requirement (block 240). This may be done usingone or more of a speaker, vibrator, or visual display included in theuser detached monitoring device. The alert may include instructionsindicating to the individual being monitored a time limit for checkingin and what identification information from the individual beingmonitored is to be provided as part of the check-in. For example, thealert may indicate that the individual being monitored has thirty (30)minutes to check-in and must take a picture of their face using thecamera in the user detached monitoring device. As another example, thealert may indicate that the individual being monitored has twenty (20)minutes to check-in and must take a thumb print using the biometriccircuitry included in the user detached monitoring device. As yetanother example, the alert may indicate that the individual beingmonitored has one hour to record a message included in the alert usingthe microphone in the user detached monitoring device. As yet anotherexample, the alert may indicate that the individual being monitored hastwenty (20) minutes to both record a message included in the alert usingthe microphone in the user detached monitoring device and take a faceshot using the camera included in the user detached monitoring device.

It is determined whether the required check-in information was receivedfrom the user detached monitoring device within the expected window oftime (block 245). If the required information is not received (block245), a check-in failure is indicated (block 250). When such a check-infailure is indicated, a message is sent from the user detachedmonitoring device to the remote monitoring station that includes recentlocation information for the user detached monitoring device and anindication of the check-in failure. Alternatively, if the requiredinformation is received (block 245), a check-in success is indicated(block 255). When such a check-in success is indicated, a message issent from the user detached monitoring device to the remote monitoringstation that includes recent location information for the user detachedmonitoring device and the gathered user identification information(i.e., a subset of the required check-in information).

In some cases, all data gathered by the user detached monitoring deviceis time stamped. Such time stamp data may be generated from a clock inassociation with the administered check-in. The timestamp data reflectsthe time and/or date in which the check-in was administered, and may betransmitted to the remote monitoring system in association with thecheck-in. In some embodiments, the remote monitoring system operatesaccording to a default time (e.g., coordinated universal time or UTCtime) while the location monitoring device operates according to theclock time of the user detached monitor device. In some embodiments,during a period of connectivity, the clock time of the user detachedmonitor device may be reset to match the default time. In suchcircumstances, any time stamp data transmitted prior to the reset may beprorated to generate a modified timestamp reflecting the date/time ofthe administered check-in according to the default time. For example,when a periodic check-in occurs and it is determined that the clock timeis, for example, five (5) seconds behind the default time, the timestampdata for the associated check-in transmitted at the check-in is modifiedby that five (5) second discrepancy to reflect the time of theadministered check-in according to the default time. In this manner, thetimestamp data for each administered check-in stored by the monitoringstation is according to a uniform date/time standard (e.g., according tothe default time).

The location and user identification information provided by the userdetached monitoring device to the remote monitoring system may beutilized by the remote monitoring system to generate one or morereports. Such reports may include the data from one or more check-ins.In some cases, other data in addition to the check-in data is includedin the reports. In some embodiments, the reports are generatedautomatically at specified intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, orper check-in). The generated reports may be accessed by the monitor viathe user interaction system or an interactive web portal to the serversupported website, whereby the monitor may review one or more reportsonline. In some embodiments, the generated reports may be emailed ortext messaged to the email account or cellular phone of the monitor,respectively. In some embodiments, the generated reports may also beprovided to the individual being monitored. Such updates to theindividual being monitored may be made via email or text, or as a poston a social media account accessed by the individual being monitored.

In some embodiments, the system provides a text-message opt-in option.When, through registration, a mobile number is added or updated on thewebsite, the system identifies if the number has previously beenblacklisted or confirmed. If it has not been either, the system texts aninvitation to that number to opt-in to receive text-message alertsand/or reports. If the monitor and/or individual being monitoredresponds to the invite with a “SUBSCRIBE” response, the number is markedas confirmed and from that point forward is able to receive textmessages from the system. At any time, the monitor and/or individualbeing monitored may text “STOP” to unsubscribe.

The web portal may contain functionality allowing the monitor to:add/delete/edit monitor contact information; select for each monitorcontact the circumstances (e.g. missed/failed check-ins, daily, weekly,monthly) and methods (e.g. text or email) in which the monitor willreceive automated reports and/or alerts. Each of these functionalities,as well as the functionalities of other web portals may be implementedin part or in whole via monitor/user fillable fields, drop down menusand/or selectable icons.

As discussed herein, the generated reports may include more or lessinformation than what is described herein, but which is nonethelessapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art as desirable for effectivemonitoring. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the generated report maycomprise an alert, which is a report with limited informationtransmitted to the monitor so that the monitor may be apprised of animportant event such as a missed/failed check-in. The alert, forexample, may include a text message that identifies the individual beingmonitored and the important event. Upon receiving the alert, the monitormay access the monitoring station (e.g. the server supported website)and review the generated report having all the requested information. Aswith the previously described reports, it is contemplated that themonitor may customize his/her preferences regarding the alerts not onlywith regards to the information provided, but as to how the alerts aretransmitted and/or displayed.

In some circumstances, the monitor may be responsible for monitoring aplurality of individuals being monitored. In such circumstances, theteachings described herein are applicable to the plurality ofindividuals being monitored. Further, the generated report may be acombined report, viewable via the server supported website, containinghyperlinks or other access to the reports of each individual beingmonitored.

Turning to FIG. 3, a flow diagram 300 shows a method for interactionbetween a user detached monitoring device and a remote monitoringstation including ambiguity reduction check-in processes in accordancewith various embodiments. Following flow diagram 300, a individual beingmonitored is alerted of a check-in requirement (block 305). This alertmay be generated locally by a user detached monitoring device based upona previously downloaded schedule. This alert may be done using one ormore of a speaker, vibrator, or visual display included in the userdetached monitoring device. In addition, the user is notified of thecheck-in requirements (block 310). The alert may include instructionsindicating to the individual being monitored a time limit for checkingin and what identification information for the individual beingmonitored is to be provided as part of the check-in. For example, thealert may indicate that the individual being monitored has thirty (30)minutes to check-in and must take a picture of their face using thecamera in the user detached monitoring device. As another example, thealert may indicate that the individual being monitored has twenty (20)minutes to check-in and must take a thumb print using the biometriccircuitry included in the user detached monitoring device. As yetanother example, the alert may indicate that the individual beingmonitored has one hour to record a message included in the alert usingthe microphone in the user detached monitoring device. As yet anotherexample, the alert may indicate that the individual being monitored hasone twenty (20) minutes to both record a message included in the alertusing the microphone in the user detached monitoring device and take aface shot using the camera included in the user detached monitoringdevice.

The relevant check-in sensors within the user detached monitoring deviceare turned on (block 315), and the location information for the userdetached monitoring device is updated (block 320). It is determinedwhether the required check-in information was received by the userdetached monitoring device (block 325). If the required information isnot received (block 325), it is determined if a timeout conditionoccurred (block 330). Where the timeout condition has not been met, itis again determined whether the required check-in information wasreceived by the user detached monitoring device (block 325). Where, onthe other hand, the timeout condition does occur (block 330), thetimeout condition and the location information are transmitted from theuser detached monitoring device to the remote monitoring system (block335). Alternatively, where the required check-in information wasreceived by the user detached monitoring device (block 325), thecheck-in information and the location information are transmitted fromthe user detached monitoring device to the remote monitoring system(block 340).

The remote monitoring system performs various processes based upon thereceived information. In particular, where a timeout condition wasreported by the user detached monitoring device (block 335), the remotemonitoring system indicates a check-in failure and records the locationprovided from the user detached monitoring device (block 355).Alternatively, where the required check-in information was received fromthe user detached monitoring device (block 340), the check-ininformation is analyzed by the remote monitoring system to determinewhether it is authentic (block 345). This may include, for example,comparing a face picture of the individual being monitored received aspart of the identification information with a reference photo of theindividual being monitored maintained in the remote monitoring systemusing facial recognition software. As another example, this may includecomparing a thumb print received as the identification information witha reference thumb print maintained in remote monitoring system.

Based upon the aforementioned analysis (block 345), it is determinedwhether the individual providing the identification information via userdetached monitoring device is the individual being monitored expected tobe associated with the device (i.e., the target of the monitoring)(block 350). Where the individual being monitored is authenticated asthe expected individual being monitored (block 350), the remotemonitoring system indicates a check-in success and records the locationinformation and identification received as part of the check-in (block360). Alternatively, where the individual being monitored is notauthenticated as the expected individual being monitored (block 350),the remote monitoring system indicates a check-in failure and recordsthe location provided from the user detached monitoring device (block355).

Some embodiments implement the user detached monitoring device as partof a smart phone or other personal smart device, such as a PDA or thelike. In such a system, a schedule is created according to which thecheck-ins are to be administered. As detailed above, the schedule may begenerated and/or stored by the server system based on input provided bythe monitor. Reference data is provided to the remote monitoring systemby one or more of the monitor, the individual being monitored, and theuser detached monitoring device. The reference data may includereference identification information data against which to comparecheck-in associated identification information data. For example, thereference identification information data may include an image of theindividual being monitored against which facial recognition software maybe used to compare check-in image data of the individual beingmonitored. For example, the reference identification information datamay include a reference thumb print or other reference biometric dataagainst which to compare the check-in associated identificationinformation data. The reference data may further include referencelocation data against which to compare check-in associated location datato determine whether the individual being monitored is out-of-bounds.The reference location data may be, for example, a defined distancevector (e.g., a predetermined radius) from a geographic location—andout-of-bounds may be defined as either within or without the distancevector. The reference data is retrievably stored by the monitoringstation, which utilizes it as described herein to compare againstcheck-in associated data, thereby determining the appropriate check-inresult (e.g., missed, failed, passed).

Subsequently, the schedule may be accessed by the monitoring device soas to prompt the individual being monitored to initiate scheduledcheck-ins. The schedule may consist of predetermined check-in periods,random check-in periods, and/or on-demand check-in periods. For example,a bump reminder may appear on the smart phone of the individual beingmonitored prompting the scheduled check-in.

In response to the schedule, the individual being monitored of the userdetached monitoring device administers the check-in. This occurs by theindividual being monitored engaging the identification informationsensor(s) so as to generate the identification information data. Forexample, for a retinal scan or facial recognition sensing, theindividual being monitored may orient the smart phone camera to capturehis/her eye or face. For example, for a thumbprint or other biometricscan, the individual being monitored may place his thumbprint onto thetouch-screen of the smart phone to be read thereby.

The location data is more or less contemporaneously generated with theidentification information data so as to guard against forgery. In someembodiments, the identification information data generation may requirethat the individual being monitored hold the engagement of theidentification information sensor (e.g., hold his/her thumb in place, orhold the camera focused on his/her face) for a predetermined periodwhile the location data is being generated.

Once generated, the location data and the identification informationdata are transmitted from the user detached monitoring device to theremote monitoring system in accordance with the schedule, as describedabove. When the data associated with the scheduled check-in is notreceived by the remote monitoring system in accordance with theschedule, the scheduled check-in may be associated with a ‘missed’result. When the data associated with the scheduled check-in fails tomatch the reference data, the scheduled check-in may be associated witha ‘failed’ result.

The location and/or identification information data and/or results maybe utilized by the system to generate one or more reports based thereon.Such reports may include the data (and other data) from one or moreadministered and/or scheduled check-ins. The generated reports may beaccessed by the monitor via the interactive web portal to the serversupported website, whereby the monitor may review one or more reportsonline. In some embodiments, the generated reports may be e-mailed ortext messaged to the e-mail account or cellular phone of the monitor,respectively.

Additional details of the aforementioned features and others in thecontext of sobriety monitoring may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,707,758,issued on Apr. 29, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,381,573, issued on Sep. 15,2010; and U.S. application Ser. No. 13/274,553, filed on Oct. 17, 2011,the disclosures and contents of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety. Additional details of these features andothers may also be found in the figures filed herewith, the entiredisclosure and contents of which is herein incorporated by reference inits entirety.

Turning to FIG. 4, a flow diagram 400 shows a method in accordance withsome embodiments for interaction between a user detached monitoringdevice and a remote monitoring station. The method includes schedulingand check-in processes using data accessed from a user detached monitordevice and use of a user attached monitor device to provide automaticupdates. Following flow diagram 400, a check-in schedule is set up by amonitor accessing the system via a user interaction device (block 405).Such a user interaction device may be, but is not limited to, a networkconnected user interface device communicatively coupled via a network toa remote monitoring system and/or directly to a user detached monitordevice via a wireless communication network. As just some examples, theuser interaction device may be a mobile phone, a mobile computer, or afixed computer station. Based upon the disclosure provided herein one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of user interactiondevices that may be used in relation to different embodiments.

The check-in schedule may consist of predetermined check-in periods,random check-in periods, and/or on-demand check-in periods. The monitorsets a predetermined check-in period by selecting a single date/timeoption for the check-in to occur. The monitor may set multiplepredetermined check-in periods by selecting a plurality of singledates/times for the check-in to occur. The monitor sets a randomcheck-in period by selecting a continuous range of date/time optionsthat reflect the temporal bounds within which the monitor desires thecheck-in to randomly occur, and additionally selects the number ofcheck-ins the monitor desires to be taken during the random check-inperiod. As the selection consists of a range that may be resized orotherwise tailored according to the preference of the monitor. Theserver system then randomly schedules the desired number of check-in tooccur during the set random check-in period. Preferably, if thegenerated schedule is a periodic schedule (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly,monthly, etc.), the randomly generated check-ins are re-randomizedwithin each set random check-in period for each successive schedulecycle. In addition, or as an alternative, the monitor may also select anon-demand check-in, reflecting a desire to schedule an immediatecheck-in (or as closely thereto as practical). In some cases, suchon-demand check-ins are not recycled to the next schedule cycle, but areimplemented once and discarded.

Additionally, for each scheduled check-in, there may exist a check-inwindow (i.e., a period of time from the inception of the check-in periodduring which the scheduled check-in can be taken by the user before thecheck-in is considered missed by the system). The monitor may set upcheck-in windows for each time in the check-in schedule or may set up asingle check in window that is used in relation with all times in thecheck-in schedule (block 410). The check-in window may be a defaultcheck-in window, or may be generated or otherwise modified by themonitor, preferably via the server supported website. The monitor mayselect from a plurality of predetermined options for the check-inwindow, including, for example, thirty (30) minutes, sixty (60) minutes,one hundred twenty (120) minutes, one hundred eighty (180) minutes, twohundred forty (240) minutes, or custom duration check-in windows. Insome embodiments, the monitor may assign unique check-in windows to thecheck-in periods. In some embodiments, the check-in window may notexceed a predetermined duration.

In parallel, a schedule is accessed from a user detached monitor deviceby a remote monitor station (block 415). The accessed schedule is undercontrol of the individual being monitored and possibly represents aschedule that the individual envisions following. One of the struggleswith introducing an offender back into society is getting thatindividual to take control of their lives and to perform activities on aschedule dictated by them. The individual is trained to begin directingtheir life, and to design and keep to a schedule. By using theindividual's schedule as part of designing a monitoring program, anymonitoring performed can be used to reinforce the schedule. The scheduleis compared with the check-in schedule to determine whether there areany conflicts that the monitor desires to respect (block 420). Forexample, a monitor may respect an individual's time at work, but may notrespect an individual's planned workout time. Based upon the disclosureprovided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize avariety of scheduled events that may be respected and others that arenot respected.

It is determined whether there are any respected conflicts representedin the check-in times and windows (block 425). Where one or morerespected conflicts are identified (block 425), an automated check-inusing the user attached monitor device is selected for the respectivecheck-in times and a manual check-in using the user detached monitordevice is selected for the other check-in times (block 430). Theschedule including manual check-in times is uploaded from the remotemonitor station to the user detached monitoring device, and the scheduleincluding automated check in times is uploaded to the user attachedmonitor device (block 435).

During operation, it is determined whether the schedule indicates acheck-in time (block 440). Where the scheduled check-in was uploaded tothe user detached monitor device it is identified as a manual check-in(block 445) and the individual being monitored (i.e., the expected userof the user detached monitoring device) is alerted of the check-inrequirements (block 450). This may be done using one or more of aspeaker, vibrator, or visual display included in the user detachedmonitoring device. The alert may include instructions indicating to theindividual being monitored a time limit for checking in and whatidentification information from the individual being monitored is to beprovided as part of the check-in. For example, the alert may indicatethat the individual being monitored has thirty (30) minutes to check-inand must take a picture of their face using the camera in the userdetached monitoring device. As another example, the alert may indicatethat the individual being monitored has twenty (20) minutes to check-inand must take a thumb print using the biometric circuitry included inthe user detached monitoring device. As yet another example, the alertmay indicate that the individual being monitored has one hour to recorda message included in the alert using the microphone in the userdetached monitoring device. As yet another example, the alert mayindicate that the individual being monitored has twenty (20) minutes toboth record a message included in the alert using the microphone in theuser detached monitoring device and take a face shot using the cameraincluded in the user detached monitoring device.

Alternatively, where the scheduled check-in was uploaded to the userattached monitor device it is identified as an automatic check-in (i.e.,not a manual check-in) (block 445) and the user attached monitor deviceautomatically gathers status and performs the check-in process withoutinvolving the individual being monitored (block 460). The status mayinclude, but is not limited to, a time stamp, a location of the userattached monitor device, and/or whether the user attached monitor deviceis within communication range of the user detached monitor device.Determining whether the user attached monitor device is withincommunication range of the user detached monitor device may be done, forexample, by sending a communication between the user detached monitordevice and the user attached monitor device that allows one or both ofthe devices to know that the other is within communication proximity. Insome cases, this may be done by the user attached monitor device sendinga Bluetooth™ request to the user attached monitor device and awaiting aresponse. Upon receiving the request, the user detached monitor deviceknows it is within proximity of the user attached monitor device. Uponreceiving the response, the user attached monitor device knows it iswithin proximity of the user detached monitor device. Based upon thedisclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize a variety of processes and/or communication protocols that maybe used in relation to different embodiments to discern deviceproximity. Further, based upon the disclosure provided herein, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of status that can begathered by the user attached monitor device without involving theindividual being monitored.

It is determined whether the required check-in information was receivedfrom the user detached monitoring device or the user attached monitoringdevice by the remote monitoring station within the expected window oftime (block 465). If the required information is not received (block465), a check-in failure is indicated (block 470). When such a check-infailure is indicated, a message is sent from the user detachedmonitoring device to the remote monitoring station that includes recentlocation information for the user detached monitoring device and anindication of the check-in failure. Alternatively, if the requiredinformation is received (block 465), a check-in success is indicated(block 475). When such a check-in success is indicated, a message issent from the user detached monitoring device to the remote monitoringstation that includes recent location information for the user detachedmonitoring device and the gathered user identification information(i.e., a subset of the required check-in information). Time stamping andreport generation may be done similar to that discussed above inrelation to FIG. 2.

Turning to FIG. 5, a flow diagram 500 shows a method in accordance withsome embodiments for interaction between a user detached monitoringdevice and a remote monitoring station including scheduling and check-inprocesses using data accessed from a user detached monitor device. Inthe method, a conflict is purposely created with a schedule accessedfrom the user detached monitor device. Following flow diagram 500, acheck-in schedule is set up by a monitor accessing the system via a userinteraction device (block 505). Such a user interaction device may be,but is not limited to, a network connected user interface devicecommunicatively coupled via a network to a remote monitoring systemand/or directly to a user detached monitor device via a wirelesscommunication network. As just some examples, the user interactiondevice may be a mobile phone, a mobile computer, or a fixed computerstation. Based upon the disclosure provided herein one of ordinary skillin the art will recognize a variety of user interaction devices that maybe used in relation to different embodiments.

The check-in schedule may consist of predetermined check-in periods,random check-in periods, and/or on-demand check-in periods. The monitorsets a predetermined check-in period by selecting a single date/timeoption for the check-in to occur. The monitor may set multiplepredetermined check-in periods by selecting a plurality of singledates/times for the check-in to occur. The monitor sets a randomcheck-in period by selecting a continuous range of date/time optionsthat reflect the temporal bounds within which the monitor desires thecheck-in to randomly occur, and additionally selects the number ofcheck-ins the monitor desires to be taken during the random check-inperiod. As the selection consists of a range that may be resized orotherwise tailored according to the preference of the monitor. Theserver system then randomly schedules the desired number of check-in tooccur during the set random check-in period. Preferably, if thegenerated schedule is a periodic schedule (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly,monthly, etc.), the randomly generated check-ins are re-randomizedwithin each set random check-in period for each successive schedulecycle. In addition, or as an alternative, the monitor may also select anon-demand check-in, reflecting a desire to schedule an immediatecheck-in (or as closely thereto as practical). In some cases, suchon-demand check-ins are not recycled to the next schedule cycle, but areimplemented once and discarded.

Additionally, for each scheduled check-in, there may exist a check-inwindow (i.e., a period of time from the inception of the check-in periodduring which the scheduled check-in can be taken by the user before thecheck-in is considered missed by the system). The monitor may set upcheck-in windows for each time in the check-in schedule or may set up asingle check in window that is used in relation with all times in thecheck-in schedule (block 510). The check-in window may be a defaultcheck-in window, or may be generated or otherwise modified by themonitor, preferably via the server supported website. The monitor mayselect from a plurality of predetermined options for the check-inwindow, including, for example, thirty (30) minutes, sixty (60) minutes,one hundred twenty (120) minutes, one hundred eighty (180) minutes, twohundred forty (240) minutes, or custom duration check-in windows. Insome embodiments, the monitor may assign unique check-in windows to thecheck-in periods. In some embodiments, the check-in window may notexceed a predetermined duration.

In parallel, a schedule is accessed from a user detached monitor deviceby a remote monitor station (block 515). The accessed schedule is undercontrol of the individual being monitored and possibly represents aschedule that the individual envisions following. One of the struggleswith introducing an offender back into society is getting thatindividual to take control of their lives and to perform activities on aschedule dictated by them. The individual is trained to begin directingtheir life, and to design and keep to a schedule. By using theindividual's schedule as part of designing a monitoring program, anymonitoring performed can be used to reinforce the schedule. The scheduleis compared with the check-in schedule to determine whether there areany conflicts that the monitor desires to respect (block 520). Forexample, a monitor may respect an individual's time at work, but may notrespect an individual's planned workout time or an individual's socialcalendar. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize a variety of scheduled events that maybe respected and others that are not respected.

The monitor may then adjust the check-in schedule and/or check-inwindows create a conflict with non-respected scheduled events (block525). This modified check-in schedule including check-in windows isuploaded from the remote monitor station to the user detached monitoringdevice (block 535).

During operation of the user detached monitoring device it is determinedwhether the schedule indicates a check-in time (block 540). Where acheck-in time is indicated (block 540), the individual being monitored(i.e., the expected user of the user detached monitoring device) isalerted of the check-in requirement (block 545). This may be done usingone or more of a speaker, vibrator, or visual display included in theuser detached monitoring device. The alert may include instructionsindicating to the individual being monitored a time limit for checkingin and what identification information from the individual beingmonitored is to be provided as part of the check-in. For example, thealert may indicate that the individual being monitored has thirty (30)minutes to check-in and must take a picture of their face using thecamera in the user detached monitoring device. As another example, thealert may indicate that the individual being monitored has twenty (20)minutes to check-in and must take a thumb print using the biometriccircuitry included in the user detached monitoring device. As yetanother example, the alert may indicate that the individual beingmonitored has one hour to record a message included in the alert usingthe microphone in the user detached monitoring device. As yet anotherexample, the alert may indicate that the individual being monitored hastwenty (20) minutes to both record a message included in the alert usingthe microphone in the user detached monitoring device and take a faceshot using the camera included in the user detached monitoring device.

It is determined whether the required check-in information was receivedfrom the user detached monitoring device within the expected window oftime (block 550). If the required information is not received (block550), a check-in failure is indicated (block 555). When such a check-infailure is indicated, a message is sent from the user detachedmonitoring device to the remote monitoring station that includes recentlocation information for the user detached monitoring device and anindication of the check-in failure. Alternatively, if the requiredinformation is received (block 550), a check-in success is indicated(block 560). When such a check-in success is indicated, a message issent from the user detached monitoring device to the remote monitoringstation that includes recent location information for the user detachedmonitoring device and the gathered user identification information(i.e., a subset of the required check-in information). By allowing amonitor to create purposeful conflicts with a schedule of the individualbeing monitored, a check-in demand occurring during the scheduled eventmay serve as a gentle reminder to the individual being monitored to becareful while engaged in the scheduled event.

Turning to FIG. 6, a flow diagram 600 shows a method for interactionbetween a user detached monitoring device and both a remote monitoringstation and a user attached monitor device including scheduling andcheck-in processes in accordance with some embodiments. Such a userdetached monitor device may be, for example, similar to the userdetached monitor device discussed above in relation to FIG. 1 b. Asanother example, the user detached monitor device may be a mobile phoneincluding one or more applications allowing operation of the method.Based upon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in theart will recognize a variety of user detached monitor devices that maybe used in relation to different embodiments. The user attached monitordevice may be, for example, similar to the user detached monitor devicediscussed above in relation to FIG. 1 c. Based upon the disclosureprovided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize avariety of user attached monitor devices that may be used in relation todifferent embodiments. The monitor may be any individual or automatedmachine capable of setting a schedule for an individual subject to themonitoring. As one example, a monitor may be a parole officer. Basedupon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize a variety of monitors that may operate in relation todifferent embodiments.

Following flow diagram 600, a check-in schedule is set up by a monitoraccessing the system via a user interaction device (block 605). Such auser interaction device may be, but is not limited to, a networkconnected user interface device communicatively coupled via a network toa remote monitoring system and/or directly to a user detached monitordevice via a wireless communication network. As just some examples, theuser interaction device may be a mobile phone, a mobile computer, or afixed computer station. Based upon the disclosure provided herein one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of user interactiondevices that may be used in relation to different embodiments.

The check-in schedule may consist of predetermined check-in periods,random check-in periods, and/or on-demand check-in periods. The monitorsets a predetermined check-in period by selecting a single date/timeoption for the check-in to occur. The monitor may set multiplepredetermined check-in periods by selecting a plurality of singledates/times for the check-in to occur. The monitor sets a randomcheck-in period by selecting a continuous range of date/time optionsthat reflect the temporal bounds within which the monitor desires thecheck-in to randomly occur, and additionally selects the number ofcheck-ins the monitor desires to be taken during the random check-inperiod. As the selection consists of a range that may be resized orotherwise tailored according to the preference of the monitor. Theserver system then randomly schedules the desired number of check-in tooccur during the set random check-in period. Preferably, if thegenerated schedule is a periodic schedule (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly,monthly, etc.), the randomly generated check-ins are re-randomizedwithin each set random check-in period for each successive schedulecycle. In addition, or as an alternative, the monitor may also select anon-demand check-in, reflecting a desire to schedule an immediatecheck-in (or as closely thereto as practical). In some cases, suchon-demand check-ins are not recycled to the next schedule cycle, but areimplemented once and discarded.

Additionally, for each scheduled check-in, there may exist a check-inwindow (i.e., a period of time from the inception of the check-in periodduring which the scheduled check-in can be taken by the user before thecheck-in is considered missed by the system). The monitor may set upcheck-in windows for each time in the check-in schedule or may set up asingle check in window that is used in relation with all times in thecheck-in schedule (block 610). The check-in window may be a defaultcheck-in window, or may be generated or otherwise modified by themonitor, preferably via the server supported website. The monitor mayselect from a plurality of predetermined options for the check-inwindow, including, for example, thirty (30) minutes, sixty (60) minutes,one hundred twenty (120) minutes, one hundred eighty (180) minutes, twohundred forty (240) minutes, or custom duration check-in windows. Insome embodiments, the monitor may assign unique check-in windows to thecheck-in periods. In some embodiments, the check-in window may notexceed a predetermined duration.

Once the check-in schedule and check-in window(s) are received, anyconflicts or overlaps between check-in times and windows are identified(block 615). For example, if check-in periods are scheduled for everyother hour of the day with check-in windows of one hundred eighty (180)minutes, then successive check-in periods would overlap with thecheck-in windows of the prior check-in period. This is an undesirableresult, as it may encourage users to perform a single check-in or twocheck-ins close in time during the overlapping period, so as to providethe individual being monitored more time before the next scheduledcheck-in in which to go out-of-bounds. This undesirable result may alsooccur even with where check-in periods abut or are very close withoutactually overlapping. Consequently, in some embodiments, a conflict maybe identified where there is an insufficient buffer period betweenscheduled check-ins such that the temptation for the individual beingmonitored to go out-of-bounds is not sufficiently mitigated.

It is determined whether there are any conflicts represented in thecheck-in times and windows (block 620). Where one or more conflicts areidentified (block 620), one or more of the check-in times or check-inwindows are modified to resolve the identified conflict(s) (block 625).This conflict resolution may be done automatically or under direction ofthe monitor. The selected schedule is then uploaded from the remotemonitor station to the user detached monitoring device (block 630).

During operation of the user detached monitoring device it is determinedwhether the schedule indicates a check-in time (block 635). Where acheck-in time is indicated (block 635), the individual being monitored(i.e., the expected user of the user detached monitoring device) isalerted of an ongoing automated check-in (block 640). This may be doneusing one or more of a speaker, vibrator, or visual display included inthe user detached monitoring device.

It is determined whether the user detached monitor device is withincommunication range of the user attached monitor device (block 645).This may be done, for example, by sending a communication between theuser detached monitor device and the user attached monitor device thatallows one or both of the devices to know that the other is withincommunication proximity. In some cases, this may be done by the userattached monitor device sending a Bluetooth™ request to the userattached monitor device and awaiting a response. Upon receiving therequest, the user detached monitor device knows it is within proximityof the user attached monitor device. Upon receiving the response, theuser attached monitor device knows it is within proximity of the userdetached monitor device. Based upon the disclosure provided herein, oneof ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of processesand/or communication protocols that may be used in relation to differentembodiments to discern device proximity.

The result of the determination of whether the user detached monitordevice is within communication range of the user attached monitor deviceis uploaded to the remote monitor station along with any other relevantinformation including, but not limited to, time and location of one orboth of the user detached monitor device and/or the user attachedmonitor device (block 650). Where the user detached monitor device iswithin communication range of the user attached monitor device (block655), a successful check-in is indicated (block 665). Otherwise, acheck-in failure is indicated (block 660). Time stamping and reportgeneration may be done similar to that discussed above in relation toFIG. 2.

In conclusion, the present invention provides for novel systems,devices, and methods for monitoring individuals and/or assets. Whiledetailed descriptions of one or more embodiments of the invention havebeen given above, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalentswill be apparent to those skilled in the art without varying from thespirit of the invention. Therefore, the above description should not betaken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A monitoring system, the monitoring systemcomprising: a monitoring station including: a communication apparatusconfigured to communicate with both a user detached monitor via a firstcommunication link and a user attached monitor via a secondcommunication link; a computer readable medium, the computer readablemedium including instructions executable by a processor to: receive anoriginal check-in schedule for an individual being monitored, whereinthe individual being monitored is associated with both the user detachedmonitor and the user attached monitor; identify a conflict with theoriginal check-in schedule; generate a modified check-in schedule bymodifying the original check-in schedule in an aspect related to theconflict; upload the modified check-in schedule to a combination of theuser detached monitor and the user attached monitor; receive check-ininformation from at least one of the user detached monitor or the userattached monitor; determine if the check-in information complies withthe modified check-in schedule.
 2. The monitoring system of claim 1,wherein the computer readable medium further includes instructionsexecutable by the processor to: receive one or more check-in windowsassociated with two or more check-in times in the original check-inschedule; and wherein identifying the conflict with the originalcheck-in schedule includes: determining that an end of a check-in windowfor a first check-in time is within a defined time period of a beginningof a check-in window for a second check-in time; and indicating theconflict; and wherein modifying the original check-in schedule in anaspect related to the conflict includes one or more of: removing one ofthe first check-in time or the second check-in time from the originalcheck-in schedule; reducing the check-in window of the first check-intime in the original check-in schedule; or reducing the check-in windowof the second check-in time in the original check-in schedule.
 3. Themonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the system includes the userdetached monitor, and wherein the instructions that identify theconflict with the original check-in schedule includes instructionsexecutable by the processor to: access an individual schedule from theuser detached monitor; compare the individual schedule with the originalcheck-in schedule, wherein the conflict is found where it is determinedthat an event in the individual schedule overlaps an event in theoriginal check-in schedule; and modifying the original check-in schedulein the aspect related to the conflict includes removing the check-intime corresponding to the conflict to yield the modified check-inschedule.
 4. The monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the communicationapparatus is a first communication apparatus, wherein the processor is afirst processor, wherein the computer readable medium is a firstcomputer readable medium, and wherein the user detached monitorincludes: a second a communication apparatus operable to receive themodified check-in schedule from the monitoring station; and a secondcomputer readable medium, the second computer readable medium includinginstructions executable by a second processor to: alert the individualbeing monitored of a check-in requirement at a time designated by themodified check-in schedule; receive input from the individual beingmonitored via one or more sensors of the user detached monitor; andupload at least a portion of the input received from the individualbeing monitored to the monitoring station.
 5. The monitoring system ofclaim 4, wherein the second computer readable medium further includesinstructions executable by the second processor to enable the one ormore sensors of the user detached monitor.
 6. The monitoring system ofclaim 3, wherein the communication apparatus is a first communicationapparatus, wherein the processor is a first processor, wherein thecomputer readable medium is a first computer readable medium, andwherein the user detached monitor includes: a second communicationapparatus operable to receive at least a portion of the modifiedcheck-in schedule, wherein the portion of the modified check-in scheduleincludes the check-in time corresponding to the conflict; and a secondcomputer readable medium, the second computer readable medium includinginstructions executable by a second processor to: receive a request forthe individual schedule from the monitoring station; provide theindividual schedule to the monitoring station in response to therequest; alert the individual being monitored of a check-in requirementat a time designated by the portion of the modified check-in schedule;receive input from the individual being monitored via one or moresensors of the user detached monitor; and upload at least a portion ofthe input received from the individual being monitored to the monitoringstation.
 7. The monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the monitoringsystem further includes the user attached monitor, and wherein the userattached monitor includes: an attachment element configured to attach toa limb of an individual being monitored; a tamper sensor configured toindicate removal of the user attached monitor from the individual beingmonitored; a communication circuit operable to: receive a portion of themodified check-in schedule including the check-in time corresponding tothe conflict; and provide status to the monitoring station withoutinteraction with the individual being monitored in accordance with theportion of the modified check-in schedule.
 8. The monitoring system ofclaim 3, wherein the first communication link and the secondcommunication link are cellular telephone networks.
 9. The monitoringsystem of claim 1, wherein uploading the modified check-in schedule tothe combination of the user detached monitor and the user detachedmonitor includes an upload process selected from a group consisting of:uploading the modified check-in schedule only to the user detachedmonitor; uploading the modified check-in schedule only to the userattached monitor; and uploading a first portion of the modified check-inschedule to the user attached monitor and uploading a second portion ofthe modified check-in schedule to the user detached monitor.
 10. Amonitoring system, the monitoring system comprising: a user detachedmonitor associated with an individual being monitored, wherein the userdetached monitor includes: a sensor configured to receive input from theindividual being monitored; a communication apparatus operable toreceive at least a portion of an implemented check-in schedule from amonitoring station via a wireless communication network, wherein theimplemented check-in schedule includes: at least one check-in window anda corresponding check-in time, and a check-in instruction indicating thecheck-in time and an action to be performed in relation to the sensor; aprocessor; and a computer readable medium including instructionsexecutable by the processor to: alert the individual being monitored ofa check-in requirement in accordance with the portion of the implementedcheck-in schedule; receive input from the sensor; and upload the inputreceived from the sensor to the monitoring station.
 11. The monitoringsystem of claim 10, wherein the wireless communication network is acellular telephone network.
 12. The monitoring system of claim 10,wherein the communication apparatus is a first communication apparatus,wherein the computer readable medium is a first computer readablemedium, wherein the processor is a first processor, and wherein themonitoring system further includes: the monitoring station including: asecond communication apparatus configured to communicate with the userdetached monitor via a communication link; a second computer readablemedium, the second computer readable medium including instructionsexecutable by a second processor to: receive an original check-inschedule for the individual being monitored; identify a conflict withthe original check-in schedule; modify the original check-in schedule tochange an aspect of the original check-in schedule related to theconflict to yield the implemented check-in schedule; upload at least theportion of the implemented check-in schedule to the user detachedmonitor; receive check-in information from the user detached monitor;and determine if the check-in information complies with the portion ofthe implemented check-in schedule.
 13. The monitoring system of claim12, wherein the second computer readable medium further includesinstructions executable by the second processor to: receive one or morecheck-in windows associated with two or more check-in times in theoriginal check-in schedule; and wherein identifying the conflict withthe check-in schedule includes: determining that an end of a check-inwindow for a first check-in time is within a defined time period of abeginning of a check-in window for a second check-in time; andindicating the conflict; and wherein modifying the original check-inschedule to change an aspect of the original check-in schedule in anaspect related to the conflict includes one or more of: removing one ofthe first check-in time or the second check-in time from the check-inschedule; reducing the check-in window of the first check-in time in thecheck-in schedule; or reducing the check-in window of the secondcheck-in time in the check-in schedule.
 14. The monitoring system ofclaim 12, wherein the instructions that identify the conflict with theoriginal check-in schedule includes instructions executable by thesecond processor to: access an individual schedule from the userdetached monitor; compare the individual schedule with the originalcheck-in schedule, wherein the conflict is found where it is determinedthat an event in the individual schedule overlaps an event in theoriginal check-in schedule; and wherein modifying the original check-inschedule to change an aspect of the original check-in schedule relatedto the conflict includes removing the check-in time corresponding to theconflict to yield the implemented check-in schedule.
 15. The monitoringsystem of claim 13, wherein the first computer readable medium furtherincludes instructions executable by the first processor to: receive arequest for the individual schedule from the monitoring station; andprovide the individual schedule to the monitoring station in response tothe request.
 16. The monitoring system of claim 10, wherein themonitoring system further includes a user attached monitor, and whereinthe user attached monitor includes: an attachment element configured toattach to a limb of an individual being monitored; a tamper sensorconfigured to indicate removal of the user attached monitor from theindividual being monitored; a communication circuit operable to: receivea portion of the implemented check-in schedule including the check-intime corresponding to the conflict; and provide status to the monitoringstation without interaction with the individual being monitored inaccordance with the portion of the implemented check-in schedule. 17.The monitoring system of claim 10, wherein the sensor is selected from agroup consisting of: a camera, an audio sensor; a temperature sensor,and a biometric sensor.
 18. The monitoring system of claim 10, whereinthe sensor is a biometric sensor, and wherein the biometric sensor isselected from a group consisting of: a finger print sensor, and aretinal scan sensor.
 19. A monitoring system, the monitoring systemcomprising: the monitoring station including: a first communicationapparatus configured to communicate with a user detached monitorassociated with an individual being monitored via a cellular telephonenetwork; a first computer readable medium, the first computer readablemedium including instructions executable by a first processor to:receive an original check-in schedule for the individual beingmonitored, wherein the original check-in schedule includes at least afirst check-in time and a first check-in window corresponding to thefirst check-in time, and a second check-in time and a second check-inwindow corresponding to a second check-in time; identify an internalconflict within the original check-in schedule, wherein the conflictoccurs where an end of the first check-in window is within a definedtime period of a beginning of the second check-in window; and modify theoriginal check-in schedule by performing at least one of the followingfunctions to yield an implemented check-in schedule: removing one of thefirst check-in time or the second check-in time from the check-inschedule; reducing the check-in window of the first check-in time in thecheck-in schedule; or reducing the check-in window of the secondcheck-in time in the check-in schedule; and upload at least the portionof the implemented check-in schedule to the user detached monitor; andthe user detached monitor, the user detached monitor including: a sensorconfigured to receive input from the individual being monitored; asecond communication apparatus operable to receive at least a portion ofan implemented check-in schedule from the monitoring station via thecellular telephone network; a second computer readable medium includinginstructions executable by the second processor to: alert the individualbeing monitored of a check-in requirement in accordance with the portionof the implemented check-in schedule; receive input from the sensor; andupload the input received from the sensor to the monitoring station ascheck-in information.
 20. The monitoring system of claim 19, wherein thefirst computer readable medium further includes instructions executableby the first processor to: receive the check-in information from theuser detached monitor; and determine if the check-in informationcomplies with the portion of the implemented check-in schedule.